Ever since the teaser trailer was released, fans have been waiting with anticipation for the film adaptation of the Tony-winning musical In The Heights. Finally, after almost a year of a delay due to the pandemic, it is time for it to premiere and blow us all away in theaters and on HBO Max on June 10.
We get to see the first eight minutes and opening number of the movie, with Anthony Ramos rapping through a morning in Washington Heights while also briefly introducing regular customers and a possible love interest of Usnavi (Ramos) and Vanessa (Melissa Barrera).
Yeah, I’m a streetlight, chokin’ on the heat
The world spins around while I’m frozen to my seat
The people that I know all keep on rollin’ down the street
But every day is different so I’m switchin’ up the beat
As a musical, it debuted in 2007 before moving to Broadway and performing 1,184 times at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City. Warner Bros.’ official synopsis for the film reads:
“Lights up on Washington Heights…The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines, and sings about a better life.”
In The Heights is directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegria Hudes. Some of the all-star studded cast include Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Stephanie Beatriz, Jimmy Smits, Leslie Grace, Corey Hawkins, Olga Merediz, Marc Anthony, Dascha Polanco, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Ariana Greenblatt, and more.
Shout out to their cinematographer Alice Brooks, and all the cast and crew for the fantastic production we are getting a taste of, like the image below. As Ramos is rapping and looking out the window, you can see the reflection of the dancers in the window he’s looking out of; it’s remarkable.
In The Heights will be released in theaters and HBO Max on June 10. You can watch the first eight minutes below!